CEO message: June
Refugee Week (15-21 June) is an opportunity to show solidarity with people forced to flee their homes – spotlighting their stories and the contributions people from refugee backgrounds make to our local communities.
At the same time, we can’t help but stay attuned to what is happening globally, and the uncertainty and challenges that remain for so many people seeking safety, protection, and freedom. We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Israel and Iran. While we maintain hope for an enduring ceasefire, the situation is constantly changing.
We have many staff, young people and families within the CMY community who have lived experiences of war and displacement, and the fear, suffering and trauma it brings with it – which is carried into future generations.
CMY stands in strength and solidarity with all communities whose lives have been impacted by this senseless and relentless war. Read more in our statement.
We have been appalled by the rise in racist demonstrations and incidents here in Victoria, ahead of new criminal provisions being introduced as part of the anti-vilification law reforms. CMY strongly condemns the actions of a group of cowardly, faceless individuals who spread hateful white supremacist slogans recently. Read our earlier statement.
The Australian Reconciliation Barometer conducted by Reconciliation Australia this week reported a rise in racism experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (up from 39 per cent in 2014 to 54 per cent in 2024), and even higher rates for First Nations young people.
We’ve also seen an increase in racist abuse in sporting environments. Working to respond to this issue, CMSport was this month re-funded through the Victorian Government’s Together More Active grants program, to continue our critical work tackling racism in community sport.
This grant brings together seven State Sporting Associations – Football Victoria, AFL Victoria, Tennis Victoria, NRL Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Cricket Victoria, and Netball Victoria – who made a joint pledge to take collective and meaningful action against racism, and this funding will help turn those commitments into real impact.
We’re grateful to Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, for recognising the value of this unique collaboration, and we look forward to continuing this important work.
Carmel Guerra OAM
CMY CEO